Comments on: Is aviation splitting in two?

By: Steve Conroy

Steve Conroy — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:19:42 +0000

There were some coments made above that I totally agree with. GA is becoming less and less affordable and practical for the average Joe. I do think that AOPA needs to take a reality check into this issue. All the glass cockpit stuff is great, but I travel many hours a year to many different airports in my state, and I can count on one hand the number of pilots I meet that actually own a “new” late model STCed aircraft that is equipped to the max. Heck, three years ago, I bought a ten-year old airplane, and I still have the newest airplane on the field at my home airport.

Also, it’s hard to overcome the attitude of many communities toward GA. Where I actually have an economic need for my plane and use it for travel, many non-pilots look at GA airports as just playgrounds for rich boys to play with their toys. And, many people in my small town are unaware that the county even has an airport. Some communities are waking up to the benefit of a local airport, and some are getting smart enough to make it work to the benefit of the community. But, that enlightenment process seems to be a hard task to undertake.

By: Steve Fagan

Steve Fagan — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 02:37:34 +0000

Light Sport has an identity crisis. Is it a less expesive way to draw new pilots to flying? Or is it just a clearing house for aging pilots who possibly might not pass a physical? I was was drawn in by the former reason but I’m discouraged by 100k+ airplanes and pilots who frown at the prospect of fabric covered non-RV kit planes. I would like to “travel” but mostly fly for fun. The FAA needs to decide what the reason is for Light Sport and plan for the future, hopfully to draw more interest from the general public to Sport Flying.

By: louis n. wagner

louis n. wagner — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:45:05 +0000

Aopa management should carefully consider many of these comments.I think AOPA has, as one correspondent noted, gone with Garmin et al and abandoned us guys who began flying back in the 70′s in Cubs, 7-AC’s and C-150′S and hyping all this new stuff they claim is “affordable”. Affordable? for whom. Maybe for Bill Gates and Harrison Ford, it is, but not for me. or many others on the AOPA membership rolls.who made AOPA what it is.
AOPA should iniate a survey to find out who we are, and what we can afford to keep flying..
The new LSA movement must deal realisticly with the costs, otherwise It will not survive.
Lou Wagner , Bethune SC . AOPA 109415

By: DWB

DWB — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 14:24:36 +0000

AOPA should sponsor, build, manage and maintain the finest flying club available. They already have the bodys. They just need to come up with the iron. If anyone could, they should be able to pull it off. They’ve got the resources and connections. By the way I’m on the fun flier/rec side. Being a A+P/IA helps keep my cost down.

By: David Hanes

David Hanes — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:07:24 +0000

Correction to my previous post: I meant to suggest that the “3d class Medical” be done away with entirely for non commercial tickets; NOT that the Drivers License Medical be done away with.
THX

HDH

By: David Hanes

David Hanes — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:02:50 +0000

The government has made a dying mess of GA. Take my example. 53 years old, and wanted to fly ever since I spent some time flying with my highschool bud in his dad’s 172 Skyhawk — 35 years ago. Took the groundschool for college credit at OU in the 70′s, loved it; (98% on OU’s practice written tests). Alas, no money for flying then; so I waited til family raised and career established. I’m still in pretty good shape, (hiking, backpacking, etc.). However, NOW I find there is a medical issue which will either disqualify me, or cost thousands$ for med testing and Doc reports (that was some of my AIRPLANE money);with no guarantee that I’ll get the medical even then.
OH YEAH– Sport Pilot. Called around and NO-ONE in the OKC area that I found teaches for the sp pilot cert. YES, I know any instructor can do it, but to solo, I MUST use a LSA, and I’ve yet to meet anyone who even has one except one guy w/ an Aeronica. With no electrics, how could we ever learn ATC communication, or navigate to anywhere? If all I wanted to do was see OK City from 300 feet, I’d just go downtown and take an elevator to the 30th floor of the Chase tower. After getting my Sport Pilot rating, I would get to shop for a $150K+ micro plane that really won’t take me and the Mrs. + a few bags; OR, there’s always the aforementioned vintage airplane option. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE vintage planes, but the ones that qualify as LSA just don’t fit the use I envisioned. The LSA ticket would be great if the aircraft definition was broadened to at least include Cherokee 140′s, etc.
What REALLY needs to happen is a “sea change” in the whole Regulatory Philosophy. The Drivers License Medical needs to be extended AT LEAST to the recreational pilot rating, if not done away with ENTIRELY for non commercial tickets. I don’t look for either of these to happen, because I don’t think the bureaucrats and comm’l pilots really Want individuals to be able to fly their own planes. We’re just one more random variable that they’d just as soon not worry about.
People who can afford to fly at all are usually not 20 year old track stars. On the other hand, we’re not asking to fly the bleeping Space Shuttle either. A daytime VFR family trip in an older 4 place plane would be nice. Given the obstacles I’ve encountered, The mystery to me is how non commercial GA has survived at all. I am disappointed; I doubt I’ll be flying. Thanks for letting me vent.

By: Joseph Okon

Joseph Okon — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 06:35:08 +0000

When I started lessons towards my Private Pilot Certificate back in 1993, it became very clear to me at that time what options were open to me. I decided to acheive a state of proficiency and skill level that would enable me to rent a single engine aircraft and go just about anywhere I wanted to go under VFR conditions. My focus since, has been on all techniques in landing, takeoffs, appoaches, radio communication,pilotage,an sectional awareness and of course safety so that when I travel around the world on vacations: I am current and qualified to rent, fly locally within 200miles,or island hop down in the caribbean… It has been about age and money or the lack there of, which detered me from advancing up the aviation career ladder, or maybe my lack of total commitment towards buying a 172 or 182 when I could afford it. As my interest in flying to be flying solidified, I became a 1000 hr pilot without an instrument rating, or a CFI, or ATP… Yet I love to fly and make it a point to rent where ever I’ve gone. Be it vacation or relocation. Flying is on top my list of things to do when I get there. Then I feel free and relaxed about the place.
Six months ago I decided to join the Palm Springs Civil Air Patrol and commenced learning how to put a 182R to work in the business of search and rescue. My training has been steady between ground and flying instruction, however I say that this is one way that I have found to continue my ongoing love of flying while training for the inevitable:a real rescue scenario. “Pleasure flying or being about business”. The money issue is a key factor, yet as far as the two may seemingly be apart. For some pilots they will get the opportunity to enjoy both. For others using creativity and compromise will just have to suffice when the money just is not there…

By: Ian Twombly

Ian Twombly — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:32:30 +0000

Great comments all. I didn’t mean to imply that this was a brand new phenomenon, but it does seem to be getting worse. It seems even in our discussion there is a split between those who feel it’s always been this way and those that see the gap widening.

Chris Burns – Excellent comments. I love all five ideas. Let’s do it!

Brian – Most are finding that insurance rates are going down. Whether it’s due to our reduced flying or reduced accidents, there seems to be some relief here.

Chris R – I think you have an interesting thought here. So instead of trying to sell everyone on a 172 or a Cirrus, we call a spade a spade and say one is for fun and one is for work? After all, you’re not going to sell a minivan to a guy that owns a Ferrari. I’ve tried to do that in some of my stories, but it could be more obvious.

Larry – Don’t assume too much about Craig. I took him flying in the sweepstakes Archer a few months ago and all he could talk about was what a beautiful day it was to fly and how happy he was to be up in the air. He even talked about flying to lunch. He’s a guy who was really loved aviation in many different ways.

Keep those great comments coming everyone.

By: Larry McVay

Larry McVay — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:55:22 +0000

Your point is very much on the spot. I have been flying for a major airline for the past 18 years and pilots who are not involved in general aviation, which is the vast majority once hired, and management personell, ceo’s, have no desire for general aviation to be anything at all unless it is business. I am also saddened in that our new AOPA president is Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce according to his bio and so Aopa has chosen to go down the path of business and leave the non busuness pilot with even less representation.

Larry McVay

By: Darrick Mcgill

Darrick Mcgill — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 16:32:47 +0000

This is an interesting subject as I am looking at purchasing a plane and considering how I will use it. Today, my typical use would be going places. I can put over 120 hours per year on a plane replacing regular work trips I take by car. Travel and other business could easily tally another 50-75+ hours per year. What I am finding amortizing the fixed costs (not counting plane acquisition) over this level of hours makes the endeavor worthwhile. However, the weekend pattern warrior expends so much in fixed costs that the economics make it a fun and expensive hobby. Access to a lower cost airframe can help, but the fixed costs are the real driver.
An emphasis on best practices to reduce the fixed costs will make GA more accessible. Tools for expanding and operating clubs or multi-owner scenarios would support accessibility.